Here at Volunteer Toronto we are pleased to introduce our Grassroots Growth Project team, who have been working so hard to serve individuals involved in volunteer-run non-profit organizations in Ontario. By divvying up responsibilities Claire, Jenn and Louroz are able to help non-profits who are looking for resources to help them achieve their individual missions and grow their organizations.

Introducing our Grassroots Growth Team!

WHO: Claire McWatt

ROLE: Project Coordinator

# YEARS AT VT: 1 year 3 months

PLACE OF BIRTH: Toronto, Ontario

FAVOURITE FOOD: Sushi

WHAT DO YOU DO AT VT? As Project Coordinator, I oversee the development of the Grassroots Growth Project. I do a bit of everything, from resource development, to workshop facilitation, to administration and outreach. I also manage project partnerships, and develop the Peer Mentorship program within the platform.

WHO: Louroz Mercader

ROLE: Community Outreach Coordinator

# MONTHS AT VT: 10

PLACE OF BIRTH: Manila, Phillipines

FAVOURITE FOOD: Cookies

WHAT DO YOU DO AT VT? I use my public relations skills to promote awareness of the Grassroots Growth project, find amazing volunteer leaders, and organize workshops and events that support our city's grassroots groups.

WHO: Jenn Jozwiak

ROLE: Education Coordinator

# MONTHS AT VT: 9

PLACE OF BIRTH: Winnipeg, Manitoba

FAVOURITE FOOD: Avocado

WHAT DO YOU DO AT VT? With the support of my team, I develop the learning materials for the project. This includes researching, writing, and designing training workshops, printed materials, and online content. I also deliver in-person workshops, which I love because I get to talk to the amazing grassroots organizations!

What do you like most about your job?

CLAIRE: I work with an outstanding team who has helped me develop my volunteer management skills so I can aid so many incredible grassroots groups every day. I am humbled to get a chance to engage change-makers, activists and community builders from all different backgrounds.

Claire presenting to a room of grassroots leaders

What was your most enjoyable volunteer experience?

JENN:Between 2004 and 2010, I organized a volunteer-run horror film festival with some of my friends. It also meant a lot that once the festival was established, it became an incentive for people to get out there and make their own films. Some of the filmmakers who met at our festival formed a collective, and went on to make award-winning movies. We think that’s pretty neat.

Poster from Jenn's Horror Film Festival

What's one of your hidden talents most people don't know about?

LOUROZ: I can lift real heavy things. I hit to the gym at least 5 times a week!

Louroz and his muscles

What's the most unusual item in your desk drawer?

CLAIRE: My desk doesn't have drawers, but I do keep a mini sewing kit on my desk because you never know. I originally brought it for a specific thing, but it stayed because I ended up needing it here and there. Very handy!

Claire's sewing kit

LOUROZ: A paper doll of myself with different matching outfits to suit his mood that my talented friend created for me as a gift.

Louroz as a paper doll!

JENN: I have an 18” figure of Leatherface from the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre next to my computer.

Stay tuned in August for our next feature!

Roxanne English supports Volunteer Toronto’s community outreach by coordinating events, delivering presentations on how to volunteer, and representing Volunteer Toronto at events across this city. With Roxanne’s help, we’ll be able to provide more people with information about volunteering in Toronto.